Shelby Cullom Davis was born on January 4, 1909, in New Jersey. He was a prominent American politician and investment banker who made significant contributions to his country. Davis earned his bachelor's degree from Princeton University and later pursued a master's degree at Columbia University. His passion for political science led him to Geneva, Switzerland, where he obtained a PhD from the Graduate Institute of International Studies.
Davis had a successful career in politics, serving as the United States Ambassador to Switzerland in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a member of the Republican Party and worked closely with presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford during his tenure. Davis also served as a financial advisor to New York Governor Thomas Dewey and played a key role in Dewey's presidential campaigns in 1940 and 1944.
Aside from his political endeavors, Davis was also a talented investment banker. He worked for the New York Stock Exchange before founding Shelby Cullom Davis & Company, where he made significant contributions to the financial industry. His expertise and leadership in the business world were highly regarded, and he gained a reputation as a successful entrepreneur.
Throughout his life, Davis was known for his generosity and philanthropic efforts. He donated substantial amounts of money to various institutions of higher education, including Princeton University, Wellesley College, and Colby College. Davis was married to Kathryn Wasserman Davis for over six decades, and together they had two children, Shelby and Diana. Kathryn was a well-known philanthropist and community activist who shared Davis's passion for helping others.
Shelby Cullom Davis left behind a lasting legacy of public service, philanthropy, and business acumen. His contributions to American politics and the financial industry have been widely recognized, and his dedication to education and charitable causes continues to impact society. Davis's commitment to excellence and integrity serves as an inspiration to future generations, and his memory lives on through the institutions and causes he supported.